Schools
Unbeaten H.S. Football Teams Square Off In Regular Season Finale
Wednesday brings with it the biggest matchup of the year thus far in Minnesota football. The two top-ranked teams in class 5A clash for the Lake-Conference title and the opportunity to enter the section playoffs undefeated.
Gameday
Eden Prairie (7-0, 3-0 in the Lake Conference) at Wayzata (7-0, 3-0 in the Lake Conference)
Playmakers
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Antonio Ford, Wayzata (Running Back): Ford has supplied the Trojan’s running game with a lot of horse power throughout most of the season. He continues to shine in his role as a low, tough runner. Ford has carried the ball 102 times for 632 yards, averaging more than six yards every time he touches the football. Wayzata will need his toughness when attempting to establish the run against a big Eden Prairie defense
Andrew Larson, Eden Prairie (Running Back): Larson’s production this year puts him in the top tier of ball carriers in the state. His physical running style makes him hard to bring down. That, coupled with the Eagles’ notorious smash-mouth football style, means Larson is capable of going off on opponents for big yardage. He has carried the football 115 times for 999 yards so far this season, averaging just less than nine yards per carry. He’s been averaging more than 140 yards on the ground in every game this year, and the Trojan defense will need to play tougher than they have all year to contain Larson.
Find out what's happening in Plymouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Trojans win if…
They play mistake-free football and play tough in the trenches. Eden Prairie’s approach to the game isn’t a secret: they are going to pound the football.
The Eagles win if…
They can force their style of play on Wayzata and not turn the ball over. If the Eagles can execute their brute style of offense against a smaller Wayzata defense, they have a good chance at winning the game. But they will need to hang onto the ball and not turn it over.
Key Injuries
Mitch Underhill, Wayzata (Running back): Underhill tweaked his knee in the opening game against Prior Lake. An MRI revealed a torn ACL. He will be out for the remainder of the season.
For the most part, Wayzata has been able to avoid major injuries throughout most of the season. They hope to keep it that way going into the section playoffs.
Two-Minute Drill
Site: Wayzata High School
Time: 7 p.m.
Projected Weather: Partly Cloudy, 50 degrees
Wayzata Schedule
- Sept. 1 at Prior Lake (W, 47-20)
- Sept. 9 at Eagan (W, 28-7)
- Sept. 16 vs. Anoka (W, 44-21)
- Sept. 23 vs. Carmel Catholic (University of Dubuque) (W, 33-27)
- Sept. 30 vs. Minnetonka (W, 35-7)
- Oct. 6 at Edina (W, 28-6)
- Oct. 14 at Hopkins (W, 40-20)
- Oct. 19 vs. Eden Prairie
